Frozen pipes are one of the most common and most expensive winter plumbing problems in Ontario. When water freezes inside a pipe it expands, and the pressure that builds between the ice and a closed tap can split copper, plastic or steel. The damage often only shows once the pipe thaws and water starts pouring out. Here is how to prevent it in a Durham Region home.
Which pipes are most at risk
Pipes in unheated or poorly insulated spaces freeze first: attics, crawlspaces, garages and runs inside exterior walls. Pipes near foundation cracks or gaps where wind can reach them are also high risk. Outdoor hose bibs are the classic problem. Water trapped in the bib or the pipe behind it freezes and cracks the connection inside the wall, and the leak appears in spring when you first turn the tap on.
Before winter
- Disconnect garden hoses before the first hard frost. Shut off the indoor valve to each outdoor tap, then open the outdoor tap briefly to drain it.
- Insulate exposed pipes in attics, crawlspaces and exterior walls with foam pipe sleeves.
- Consider heat-trace cable on runs that have frozen before, especially in rural Clarington, Uxbridge and Scugog properties.
- Seal foundation cracks and gaps around pipe penetrations where cold air can reach the plumbing.
- Know where your main water shut-off is and confirm it turns.
During a cold snap
When temperatures drop well below minus 15 degrees, open cabinet doors under kitchen and bathroom sinks on exterior walls so warm air reaches the pipes. Let a small trickle run from taps on exterior walls. Keep the home heated to at least 13 degrees Celsius even when you are away, and never turn the heat off completely in winter. If you are leaving for an extended period, shut off the main water and drain the lines or have someone check the house daily.
If a pipe freezes
If you open a tap and only a trickle comes out, you likely have a frozen section. Leave the tap open so water can flow as the ice melts, and be ready to use the main shut-off. If you can find the frozen section, warm it gently with a hair dryer or a space heater placed a safe distance away. Never use a torch or open flame. If you cannot find the frozen section or cannot thaw it safely, call a licensed plumber.
If a pipe bursts
Shut off the main water valve immediately. Turn off the breaker for any area where water is near outlets or the panel. Move valuables and contain the water with towels and buckets. Then call (905) 576-3043. Hayes Plumbing answers 24/7 and dispatches from Oshawa across Durham Region. See our burst and frozen pipe repair page for what to expect.
Freeze-proofing for good
If the same line freezes every winter, the fix is usually rerouting the run, adding insulation and heat trace, or replacing an outdoor tap with a frost-free hose bib. These are small jobs compared with a burst pipe and the drywall, flooring and insurance claim that follow. Book a scheduled visit before the cold arrives through our contact page.